Off-Piste: Vaujany’s Hidden Playground
This is something truly special. Still under the radar for many skiers, Vaujany’s backcountry terrain is a hidden gem - raw, untouched, and unforgettable. Those who’ve ventured into it know: it’s our very own alpine playground.
Just a stone’s throw from La Grave, Europe’s (and arguably the world’s) most iconic off-piste destination—Vaujany quietly rivals its reputation. In fact, it’s not uncommon to spot La Grave guides skiing here. Why? Because the off-piste conditions in Vaujany are often more reliable, less crowded, and just as thrilling.
Looking to explore safely and confidently? Book a day with Denis Ailloud from Pure Ski Guiding - a trusted local expert who knows every hidden line and powder pocket.
Check out some videos here
Les Massif des Grandes Rousses: A Freeride Paradise
The mountain layout surrounding Vaujany is a stroke of alpine luck. Towering to the northeast, the vast Massif des Grandes Rousses creates a spectacular freeride playground for those in the know. And the best part? In France, it’s still perfectly legal to take personal responsibility and ski beyond the patrolled areas.
Warning: A Note on Safety
Off-piste skiing is an incredible experience, but it demands respect. Without the right knowledge and equipment, it can be dangerous. Fortunately, you can explore safely with a local UIAGM-qualified guide, who’ll provide expert instruction and all essential gear, including avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels. Group bookings make this option especially affordable.
We’re always happy to help form groups and recommend trusted guides.
Please visit our Mountain Guides page for contact details.
Don’t forget to check that your insurance covers off-piste skiing
"A particular mention for the fantastic day of ski touring in an incredibly beautiful and peaceful natural environment "
Caroline Evans, Chalet Saskia, 2024
"Jaw dropping scenery when off piste and brilliant terrain. It appears to be 'unknown' as we hardly saw anyone on our outings! "
Edd Jenner, Chalet Rostaing, 2023
Just to whet your appetite, here are a few options for a typical day’s off-piste skiing in Vaujany:
La Combe du Loup
(Valley of the Wolf). This is beautiful, wild country with excellent views across to La Grave and the spectacular La Meije. The first pitch is a steep, wide bowl and often has excellent powder. Great natural “half pipes” and undulating terrain take you through many kilometres of powder-bowls. It’s likely you’ll have the place to yourself. Once, as we ate our picnic on a sunny rock-outcrop, we saw a wolf – later the locals told us they are gradually returning to this part of the Alps.
Great powder on the Piefroid
Traverse over and a short walk up to the ridge this lovely couloir appears. Not too steep this one, but a great feeling as we start the descent, bearing right into another untracked bowl with great views down to Clavans. One option is to continue down to this charming village and have lunch at the refuge there
Pyramide from Pic Blanc at 3300m.
This time we cut left and pass the warning signs by the fence that remind us that we’re off-piste again and responsible for ourselves. Over the cornice and a dramatic traverse across the Grand Sablat glacier, we stop and fasten our skis to our backpacks for the 25 minute walk up to Pic de la Pyramide.
The top is a magic place to stop and gaze down at little Vaujany over 2000m below us, and anticipate the long runs ahead. There are many routes down from here and by now the sun has worked its way around so that the light is perfect, yet the snow still cold and powdery.
The Pyramide cornice has intimidated quite a few skiers but once you’re over and onto the slope, the snow is often so good that confidence quickly returns. It’s steep but on to exhilarating skiing, then gradually the going gets easier as the huge Glacier des Rousses comes into view. We stop and admire the view from one of the rocky outcrops on the far edge before...
The P10 Couloir
This is only one of several interesting routes back to Vaujany. It has a narrow start, widening out with a nice steep lower pitch then an amazing natural half-pipe to finish, finally we emerge above Vaujany’s Montfrais powder fields and pistes with an easy run home.
Roche Melon
This scenic itinerary is still listed as a piste but in fact is now a lovely open off-piste route through trees, open meadows and gulleys, often with excellent powder.
We can supply an off-piste guide book, written by qualified mountain guides, detailing the off-piste in Vaujany, La Grave and Alpe d’Huez. Ask for details. In English and French (maybe in Swedish soon!).
Others
| Couloir 263 | Canyon de La Fare | Couloir des Pioches |
| Couloir P10 | Epaule de La Fare | Combe du Cerisier |
| Couloir P13 | Pont (refuge) de La Fare | Combe du Loup |
| Couloir Lucette | Grandes Rousses Traverse | Piefroid |
| Pic de la Pyramide | Les Cheminees de Mascle | Chapelle St Giraud |
| Col d’Impossible | Le Col de l’Herpie | Combe du Bras |
| Couloir Fleur | Les Cotes de Rivets | Radar |
| Col du Couard | Maurienne/Pic d’Entendard | Tete du Serre |
| L’Agnelin/Diabolo | Lac de Quirlies | La Crête de Charbonniere |
| Perrin Sud | Le Grand Sablat | Roche Melon |
| Perrin Nord | Glacier du Barbarate | Glacier Saint-Sorlin |
We will always try to work around your schedule. As a small specialist tour operator exclusively providing luxury holidays to Vaujany, we have the flexibility often missing from larger companies.
Be it to organise a quick second break, a weekend get-away for a large group or perhaps a corporate weekend, we can tailor make a break that meets all your requirements.
It couldn't be more convenient; it is quick and easy, plus as a Ski Peak guest you have great discounted prices.
Our ski area - Grande Rousses Mountain Resort (Alpe d'Huez) - is a vast area of fabulous both on and off-piste skiing.
We know that skiing and snowboarding isn't for everyone or perhaps you just want a day off from the mountain. There are plenty of things to keep you occupied for the whole week!
We've partnered with The Chalet Chef to make hosting memorable evening an absolute breeze. Their chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish.
